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The Torch Unleashed !!!

~~~ INTRODUCTION ~~~

In 1977 George Lucas created the Star Wars Saga and in doing so introduced the world to a Galaxy far, far away. Lucas also re-invented the sci-fi genre by creating a story that fused science fiction with elements of ancient mythology. In Star Wars it was the Jedi Knights who were the heroes but instead of carrying swords the weapons these Knights carried were Lightsabers ...

In A New Hope when a young Luke Skywalker meets Old Ben Kenobi little does he realise of the destiny that awaits him. However, he takes his first steps towards that destiny when Old Ben passes him a Lightsaber, delivering the classic line ...

"This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster. An elegant weapon for a more civilized age..."

In the thirty years since Star Wars was originally released there is no doubt that the Lightsaber has become an iconic weapon ... and the Lightsaber duels between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader are surely up there with one of the most memorable movie moments of all time. When the Star Wars Prequels were released the Lightsaber itself was again re-invented with the impressive double bladed Lightsaber weilded by Ray Park (Darth Maul) and the unique purple bladed Lightsaber created for actor Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu) being two examples of how a great idea can evolve over time.

Star Wars fans and collectors clearly love the Lightsaber ... so much so that the weapon has almost become a symbol of the entire Star Wars franchise. I attended the Premiere of Revenge Of The Sith and Leicester Square was illuminated by the thousands of toy Lightsabers that fans had brought with them !!!

What none of them had, however, was a Lightsaber Replica Torch ... a gadget I recently discovered at a Sci-Fi Convention !!!

~~~ THE WESCO STAR WARS LIGHTSABER TORCH ~~~

Despite spelling the actual word "Lightsaber" incorrectly Wesco have produced an impressive gadget that is both highly functional whilst also being fun !!!

The product (as an actual torch) has been produced to a high standard. The beam itself is powered by 3 AAA batteries and has 4 super bright LEDs (with a lifespan of 1000+ hours) that emit a cool but clear beam of bright blue light. I have used this torch outside at night time and up in the loft (which is pitch black) and it has provided an ultra bright beam of light similar to that produced by my Mag-Lite torch. It enabled me to see in the dark and the light it created was clear and relaible.

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Now that I covered the "functional" aspects of the torch it's time for the "fun" stuff !!!

The torch itself is 27cm in length and is a full scale screen accurate replica of Anakin Skywalker's Lightsaber. And, the great thing is that it actually looks and feels like an authentic Lightsaber (it even has a ring so that it can be attached to your belt). I own several Lightsabers (which range from cheap 'n' nasty plastic toys right through to screen used props) and the Wesco Lightsaber Torch has been produced to an impressive standard of movie authenticity. It has the right look, the correct weight and the detail is fantastic.

~~~ THE FORCE IS STRONG IN THIS ONE ~~~

Wesco could have taken the easy route and simply created an authentic Lightsaber shaped torch and it still would have been a great product. But Wesco have gone one step further ... and what makes this an absolutely brilliant gadget is the fact that it also has the Lightsaber sound fx too !!! So when you turn the torch on and off you get the unmistakable humming sound of a Lightsaber powering up and shutting down.

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It is a gadget that any Star Wars fan would love ... and as it retails for as little as £12 (search the web) it is also a brillant stocking filler too.

Be warned though, if you buy this for your other half and he claims that he is up in the loft checking the water tank he may actually be re-enacting his favourite scenes from the Star Wars Saga !!!

Not that I would ever consider doing anything like that myself (honest) !!!

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Product Details

This is a great torch for Star Wars fans. A life-size replica of Anakin's lightsaber which makes authentic lightsaber sounds when turned on and off, and emits a cool blue light. Great for role-play or just finding your way in the dark!